From: "Phil Rembleski" <PHIl@rescuechurchofchrist.org>

To: "1111RESCUEMEMBERS"

Cc:

Sent: Tue, Jan 9, 2024 at 6:12 AM

Subject: 1-9-24 THOUGHTS

1-9-24   THOUGHTS

We know so much about Peter and his life, his denial of Jesus, his natural proneness to “stand forward”.  We listen to him write now.   This is a powerful, believing , older Peter.  God’s Spirit is behind his words.  Our God and Father is to be blessed, and Jesus is referred to as Lord and Christ!  Through Him, we are born again to a LIVING  HOPE!  Then there is this inheritance idea that is everlasting and reserved.  Verse 5 is powerful... “who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.”  The simple words “the proof of your faith”, deserve our deepest thoughts.   May we “greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory.”

1Pet 1:1-9      Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who reside as aliens (ESV  elect exiles of the Dispersion), scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, who are chosen  2  according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood: May grace and peace be yours in the fullest measure.  3  Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4  to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5  who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6   In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials,  7  so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 8  and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9  obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls.

My Prayer:
Father God, thank You for saving us in Christ Jesus.  Teach us to more fully know and observe His Lordship.  Help us to understand our submissive role in Your wonderful grace plan.  May Your love be our love.  Without partiality, may we distribute pure love to the world we live in.  This world needs blessing, Father.  May Your will be done here as in heaven.  Forgive this world, O God, and teach us to blush and have proper shame.  As your children, remove all selfishness from us.  Teach us to die to self and live to Christ.  May we obtain the outcome of our faith, the salvation of our souls.    In the name of our Savior,    Amen.